Terrifying way you will know if a dust storm is heading your way as one the size of 48 US states is set to hit this week

Here is how you can tell if a dust storm is heading your way, as one roughly the size of '48 US states' is set to pelt parts of America this week.

For most of us, dust is nothing more than the stuff which accumulates on our shelves and in rarely-visited corners of our homes.

However, dust storms are also natural phenomena which occur when large plumes of dust and dirt get swept up into the atmosphere by strong winds.

Dust storms typically occur in arid regions of the planet, including the Sahara, Arabian, and Gobi deserts, as well as semi-arid regions in continents such as Africa, Australia, and South Asia.

Dust clouds can even travel further than their immediate region, with a storm the size of '48 US states' currently barrelling its way across the Atlantic Ocean and towards the state of Florida and several other Southeastern regions of the country.

This dust storm has blown in off the Sahara Desert (Getty Stock Images)

What is a dust storm?

In order for a dust storm to form, you need a combination of the following things: dry land or sand - loose dirt and sand accumulating in dry areas, strong winds - for the dust to become airborne and specific weather patterns, according to Science.com. Dust storms often form when frontal systems sweep across dry and arid regions.

Not all dust storms are the same either, with some being much more dangerous than others.

These include:

• Dust devils - Similar to tornadoes, dust devils are upward spiralling vortexes of dust and will usually last for a couple of minutes (per Met Office)
• Dust haze - a less severe form of dust storm, where sand and debris are suspended in the air, causing a lower level of visibility
• Dust/sandstorms - when strong winds blow dust or sand into nearby regions
• Haboobs - a particularly intense type of dust storm. Caused by winds from a thunderstorm, a haboob (which originates from the Arabic translation for 'strong wind' or 'blasting') can resemble walls of dust and are often dangerous

Most of the storms which ravaged the US during the 1930s 'Dust Bowl' would be considered haboobs.

A haboob captured over Sudan in 2014 (AFP via Getty Images)

What do we know about the dust storm currently moving across the Atlantic Ocean?

It's bad news for the people of Florida and its surrounding states, as the dust storm currently making its way across the Atlantic is a haboob.

According to hurricane scientist Jason Dunion, this particular storm is a 'grand-scale haboob' roughly the size of the 'lower 48 states' of America (via NPR).

However, locals in the region shouldn't be too concerned by the news, as dust storms and haboobs aren't uncommon during this time of the year.

"It happens every year; some years have more dust transportation across the Atlantic than others,” Sammy Hadi, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Miami, explained to The New York Times.

Meanwhile, Alex DaSilva, lead hurricane expert for AccuWeather, added that most people will notice a change in the atmosphere with 'more colourful sunrises and sunsets' as well as a 'milky or hazy look in the sky'.

Dust storms can cause the sky to appear orange and hazy (David Peinado/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

How do you know if a dust storm is approaching?

So, now that you're clued into what dust storms are, how can you tell when one is approaching – and what should you do if a dust storm is heading directly towards you?

Thanks to modern technology, the best way to know if you're going to wake up and find your car coated in a layer of dust is keep up to date with weather forecasts in your area and plan accordingly.

Closer to the arrival of a dust storm, you'll likely notice the clear blue sky has been replaced by a dark cloud barrelling towards you, which is a sure signal that it's time to go indoors and shut the windows, unless you want to spend the next couple of hours unable to see and feeling like you're being repeatedly smacked in the face with dirt.

The US state of Florida is in the path of the current dust storm (Getty Stock Images)

Are dust storms dangerous to humans?

Unlike hurricanes or tsunamis, a dust storm isn't going to blow you away or destroy your house; however, they can cause adverse health issues.

According to the World Health Organisation, dust storms can lead to an increase in air pollution, leading to respiratory problems.

Inhaling dust or sand can lead to increased coughing, wheezing and respiratory tract infections - with young children and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma - at a particular risk (via American Lung Association).

Best thing to do in a dust storm? Close your windows, stay inside, and let it pass over.